Saturday, November 15, 2008

Prayer

As I walk through my life I can definately see the hand of God and his faithfulness to me. I also see how prayer was and is a BIG means that God used to pour out grace on a situation or trial. I can think of several specific times when I was in the midst of trial and could not see ahead, that as I humbled myself and shared with others my struggle and asked them to intercede for me-- God met me and "fixed" things in ways I would not have believed he could. I tear up thinking about that even with my lack of faith, thinking God cannot help 'this'... he still does and can! He is a mighty God and is working all things together for my good.

A mother, Angie, did a post about how she prays for her children. And I thought, wow, I want to be a mother with that same heart. One who sees that the most important thing I can teach them is my love for the Saviour. Here are her suggested prayers, at 7 times during their day you can pray these outloud over them. I am going to do this next week!

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)
2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)
3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)
4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)
5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)
6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)
7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

She has a little button too on her post if you like the idea!

1 comment:

Katherine M. said...

What an awesome legacy! Praying for our children is the most significant way we can help them. Thanks for sharing about your mom and her prayers.